Prophecy Update Newsletter
February 9, 2017
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Age of the Church at Philadelphia - By Pastor Mike Taylor - http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-age-of-church-at-philadelphia.html
1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:1-3) The book of Revelation is to some a mystery that seems to confuse a lot of people. So most people don't even bother to read it's pages, because they think it's too confusing and the images horrify them with so much death and destruction described. So they think that the average man/woman can't understand its message, due to all it's symbols and metaphors, but is that true? First the book of Revelation is written in Koine Greek and by definition means apokalypsis, or "unveiling" or "revelation". ... The Book of Revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the New Testament canon . The book is definitely not something you can't understand, or it would not be a book that "unveils or reveals" what is coming in our future. Here our Lord comes to John in His glorified state as God and the description is way more than what John saw when Jesus was taken up out of His sight upon His ascension. 13 "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;" (Revelation 1:13-19) I can relate, that if God showed Himself to me, I'm sure I would fall at His feet, either in worship, or total weakness at such power, as a dead man. In the Book of the Revelation, Jesus instructed John to "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." (Revelation 1:19) There is much to learned from just this one verse. John is told to write down things he is seeing, which that is to say, that Jesus didn't dictate all of the Bible to John, but John wrote down what he saw and heard. The first three chapters, is red lettered in your Bible, as our Lord speaks and dictates what He wishes John to write. The rest, John writes in His owns words as each event unfolds before his eyes. In this message I hope to cover the different ages of the church down through history and into our time that we are living in. And what is soon coming. WHAT DOES JOHN SEE? His vision covers his own timeline during what is known of the years he is living in, but then he is instructed to write what will be "hereafter" which covered the timeline of the Church Age, or the Age of Grace, all the way up to and including the Great White Throne judgment at the very end of time, just before eternity. During the first part dictated to John by our Lord Jesus, it is the only part that Jesus speaks directly to John and to address His words to the seven churches that are in today's Asia Minor, or Turkey and are the things of "which are" in John's day. As you read those first three chapters, Jesus our Lord outlines the strengths and weaknesses of each church that were in Asia, but it is believed that Jesus was talking about subsequent time periods of the Church down through the last 2000 years, or "epochs" coming up to and including our era or the end of this age, the Age of Grace that is fast coming to a conclusion. He used these churches as symbols of each era of church history. Each church is expressed as a period of time beginning with the Age of the Apostles found in the Church at Ephesus: a. Church at Ephesus.....AD 30 to AD 100, as John wrote this in about AD 95 b. church at Smyrna ....AD 100 to AD 313 or the time of Roman persecution c. Church at Pergamum....AD 33 to AD 600, the Age of Constantine and beginning of the Catholic Church and it's rule. d. Church at Thyatira, AD 600 to AD 1517, The Dark Ages of the "Holy Roman Empire" e. Church at Sardia...AD 1517 to AD. 1648, or the Reformation and the splitting of the Roman Church into Protestant branches. Then we come to the sixth church and she stands out amongst all of the churches up to this age...The sixth letter was written to the Church of Philadelphia, often called, "the Missionary Church." Of the Church of Philadelphia, Jesus writes, 7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:7-9) Although some Bible scholars believe that the "Missionary Church" as that is what the church of Philadelphia is called, ended around AD. 1900 or the "Age of Enlightenment" but I have to disagree with this interpretation. The Church at Philadelphia is one of the final churches of the Church Age, and it's concludes when the Church will be removed from this earth, by our Lord Jesus at the "catching away" of the saints at what some call "the Rapture". In my mind, the Age of the Church of Laodecia had not started until the beginning of the 20th century. ..To compare the state of the church today in it's modern falling away from the truth of the Gospel is tempting, but if we rightly divide the Word of God, the Bible says we are the members of God's Church, "Which has little strength". But do they run concurrent on our age? Note verse 8 for the above passage? " 8 "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Despite Global efforts to eradicate Christianity, especially in the Middle East by the sword, and those of other countries by legislation, or judicial edicts, no man has been yet able to "shut the door" on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is an ongoing attempt by global powers to outlaw Christianity and the powers that be, will not stop until they either stop its spread in truth, or substitute a counterfeit religion based on more politics than religion. Even today, all over the world, there are brave men and women who have bravely keep the Word of God and proclaimed the Good News that salvation is by grace through faith. Looking down through the ages of the church we just described, even the early church was looking for Jesus to return in their lifetime and Paul had to address a fear that engulfed the early Church at Thessalonica when somebody came in and started teaching that the Lord had already come and they were living in the time of God's Wrath...the people were sore afraid. 1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?" (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5) These people were looking for that Blessed Hope's return, our Lord Jesus, and when somebody scared them to think they had missed His return, they were thinking they were entering the Tribulation, and Nero was the Anti-Christ....of course, they were wrong, because things have not happened according to scripture in their day and age, as it has happened in ours. Although in every age of the church, believers have been looking up expectantly for the return of Jesus in the clouds, only to the Church of Philadelphia has the Lord promised them He would come quickly. Note that if the Age of Philadelphia had ended in 1900, as Bible scholars so think, then Jesus didn't tell the truth, because Jesus hasn't come yet, and here we are 117 years later from the end of that age, according to them. But we know that Jesus cannot lie, so what are they missing? ..If Jesus is going to come quickly, He also promises a special "crown" to the Philadelphia church. "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:11) There is only one 'crown' that fits the context; "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2nd Timothy 4:8) Notice also in v. 9 of the passage found in chp. 3 of Revelation, where Jesus makes this statement: 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 3:7-9) What a profound message to say that Jews of today and in John's day were of the synagogue of Satan, but in the end, they will come to those who are Kings and Priest of God and worship at their feet by paying homage to those who God has made rulers in this coming Millennial Age. Even after Jesus has redeemed those out of the Tribulation, they will not be Kings, as the Church is given rule over the renewed earth. Jesus expresses a love for His Church and will make it known to those who come after her. WE ARE LIVING IN THE AGE OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH If you look at all the years that have gone by, since Jesus formed His church in the Apostolic Era called the Church at Ephesus, approximately 1917 years have passed since the end of that Church era. It has been a long wait for those who have patiently continued to proclaim the Lord's soon return, even in this age we live in, the end of the Age of Grace. There are still people preaching the Good News of the soon return of Jesus Christ, and as time goes by, and more and more events proclaimed by our Lord Jesus and the prophets in your Bible come to pass, we have proclaimed His Name and not denied it. We who are watching and waiting have prophecy staring us right in the face, as events line up as dominos that only need a push, and all hell will break loose...I belive we are coming right up to the push that will start that time coming, I'll speak of in a minute. The Lord promises a unique reward to those patient Philadelphians, which is what I believe we are living in right now: "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." (Revelation 3:10) Note that Jesus refers to the 'hour' of temptation that He will keep the Philadelphians from experiencing. The use of the word 'hour' is significant. It signifies a brief but intense period that will "try ALL them that dwell upon the earth." But the Philadelphians, because they patiently waited and trusted in His Word, will be 'kept' from that 'hour'. The Apostle Paul describes the fulfillment of that ironclad promise, issued directly from Jesus, to the Philadelphia Church: 13 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words". (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18) THE LAODICEAN CHURCH IN THE TRIBULATION We have yet to talk about one church age, that I believe is still future in it's entirety. But it is mingled with the true church much as the wheat and the tares grow up in the same field in a parable Jesus spoke of in Matthew. She has spring up in the last 100 years and overlapped the Philadelphia church, coming after her, and continuing after the True church is gone. . The Church of Laodecia was the Church that Jesus had dire warnings for. 14 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and thatthe shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:14-19) I believe this is the Church that goes through the fire of the Tribulation. It will be those who have warmed a pew, fallen asleep during services, or just wasn't interested what the preacher was speaking of...They have lived their life like there was no tomorrow. They have lived for their flesh, and have put on the false face of righteousness because they belong to the best church in town, give regularly to the building program, or volunteer for the Annual Church Bake off, they think they are just fine in God's eyes....Only when they have been left behind will the thought of their foolishness come crashing down upon them, and they will know they have missed the "catching away of the Church" They may have heard it all their life, and they have scoffed at the very idea and fallen for the age old trap of being sloven for the Lord: 3 "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (2nd Peter 3:3-7) This is the Church that God will spew out of His mouth, into the horror of the coming Tribulation...Are they lost forever? Those who have been in earshot of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and were either too busy, or just didn't think they needed some preacher to tell them that they were living in sin, or were destined for hell, if they did not repent..will remember those words and will search desperately for an answer when million have been reported missing all over the planet. I saw a video and it showed what it could be like, if those who have put off the decision that will affect their destination for eternity, sitting in a church service and the preacher is preaching his heart out..Bible in hand when suddenly a clap of thunder and his bible falls to the ground....suddenly the whole church is near empty save a few totally frightened members who look around in horror and they instantly know what has happened...Why? They have heard it all their life and refused to come to Jesus and repent. Now they have it staring at them, and they fall to the ground on their kneess in anguish. Those are the ones who will be the first ones to beg Jesus for forgiveness and be the first born out of the Age of the Law and end of the Age of the Church of Laodecia. Oh, there will still be churches in the Tribulation, but if you're following Jesus Christ right now, you wouldn't want to be a member of them. But there still will be some who will be saved, as the world will hear the testimony of the 144,000 Jewish evangelist from the 12 tribes of Israel and the Two Witnesses will be prophesying at the newly rebuilt Jewish Temple for 3.5 years... 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Revelation 3:19-21) Many will be saved from their testimony and those who have missed the event of the coming of Jesus for His church, I believe will be first in line...but it will be a high price to pay for their beliefs. 4"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4) SUDDENLY THE TRIBULATON ARRIVES. The bible makes a quick change in focus from Jesus dealing with the Laodicean Church and immediately, beginning in chapter 4, John is in the Spirit and hears a voice say: 1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne" (Revelation 4:1-2) So begins the time known as Jacob's troubles and as John is whisked away into the throne room of God, it is a picture of the removal of the saints from this planet...I spoke of earlier what would be the domino that starts the releasing of a literal hell on earth. When millions upon million of people suddenly vanish from this planet, then the Laodicean Church will know, just like those in that video of church members being left behind, it will come without warning. They will know that the beginning of the Tribulation has begun. Will it come instantly, or will God wait for a few years to reveal what Jesus will reveal by breaking the 1st seal on the title deed for this planet as found in chapter 6 of this apocalyptic book. It is not revealed in a timeline but some feel God's wrath will fall on that very day. And some feel it could be years before the Anti-Christ is revealed, as he is what is revealed in the very first seal opened by Jesus Christ. I believe that it is very possible that the end of the Age of the Philadelphia church is very close. The Laodicean Church will be sorely judged and will be those who have entered the Tribulation and will be tried as Jesus said in Revelation 3:10b "hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. " But those who submit to the Lord's command will be saved: 16 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and thatthe shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Revelation 3:17-21) Jesus gives a prescription and commands that will save them from the coming evil age in v. 18....buy gold tried in the fire (the fire of Tribulation of your faith in Jesus Christ) and white raiment which is a sign of a saint of God). But it will come at a high price for their being saved until the end. Repeating Revelation chapter 20: 4" And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." And as Jesus warned those who enter into this time of extreme suffering, demonic displays of depravity, and those will submit to the evil of the Beast power just to save their life, or their family members lives...many will fail to keep the faith in Jesus: 8 "All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:8-13) The Age of Grace is quickly coming to an end. The Church of Philadelphia is about to meet her King and Lord. The Laodicean Church Age is mingled with the Philadelphia Church in these last days....The Philadelphia church is leaving, the Laodiceans church will stay and miss the calling of Jesus to "Come up hither" and will be thrown into the coming Tribulation. Question? Which church do you belong to? In this day and age, you can belong to one or the other....will you hear a trumpet sound and be changed into immortal beings that meet Jesus in the air, or be looking around your church, or the streets for people you knew, sat close by with, or lived next door to? It won't be anything you can pinpoint when it will happen, as it will happen as a thief that comes in the night. 2 "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1st Thessalonians 5:1-3) The wise man prepares for this coming age, the Age of the Law, or Jacob's Trouble which all stand for the coming Tribulation. How does anyone prepare? 57 "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1st Corinthians 15:57-58) " For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. God sent not His into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17) If you have been idle in the church of Laodicea, I urge you to come to the Church of Philadelphia, where Jesus arms are open wide to receive you, and as He proclaimed: 18 "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and thatthe shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Revelation 3:18) Look now to the Lord God, Jesus Christ...His salvation is as close as a prayer by faith.... This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying you find your way to the true church and be ready for the coming of our Lord. If you need counseling, prayer, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] . Or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com , God bless you all! 
Islamic State Jihadist on Eilat Rocket Attack: 'The Jewish Enemy Should Anticipate More' - by Aaron Klein and Ali Waked - http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/02/09/exclusive-islamic-state-jihadist-eilat-rocket-attack-jewish-enemy-anticipate/
Wednesday's rocket fire on the Israeli resort city of Eilat was "a natural reaction" to alleged Israeli involvement with the Egyptian army's clampdown on Sinai militants, Abu Baker Almaqdesi, a Gaza-based jihadist who fought for the Islamic State, told Breitbart Jerusalem in an interview. Late on Wednesday, four rockets were launched toward the southern city, three of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. No damage or injuries were reported. Earlier on Thursday, the Islamic State Sinai Province posted an online statement taking credit for the rocket salvo aimed at Eilat. Almaqdisi previously fought for IS in Syria and Mosul in northern Iraq, where he says he was injured. Without offering evidence, Almaqdesi claimed that in recent days Israel Air Force drones have taken part in raids on chapters of Wilayat Sinai, the Islamic State's Egyptian affiliate. Some of the casualties, he claimed, were Gazans. Breitbart Jerusalem submitted a request to the Israel Defense Forces for comment on the allegations of drone strikes in the Sinai. Using anti-Semitic language, Almaqdesi, who spoke to Breitbart Jerusalem in Arabic, claimed that "the Jewish entity" - referring to Israel - "never stopped assisting the Egyptian army of infidels in their war against the mujahedeen, and tonight's salvo on Umm Rashrash [Eilat's Arabic name] was a natural reaction to those crimes." The jihadist claimed the Eilat rocket attack wasn't a precedent. "Earlier this month, we fired at the Elojah crossing [between Egypt and Israel]. Our brothers are determined to continue to react to the crimes of the Jews, and we'll continue to launch rockets at Israel despite their airborne operations and despite the strain of the Egyptian army of infidels." Almaqdesi claimed that only three days ago, an Israeli drone fired at a house in the Egyptian Sinai, which happened to be empty and therefore no injuries were caused. "The Jewish enemy continues its attack on the mujahedeen and innocent civilians, so they should anticipate more from our brothers the Sinai mujahedeen." Asked whether they plan large-scale attacks on Israel, Almaqdesi said: "It's the decision of the brothers in the leadership, but it is clear to all that the Jewish entity is just one player in the war on Islam. Though a major one. Therefore, no option is off the table. It's true that the Jewish police arrest our mujahedeen even inside Palestine and the forces of the treacherous collaborator Abu Mazen do it too, and even those who are falsely called Muslims in Gaza fight against us. But our organization proved that we could strike anywhere in the world. I can tell you that our weapons are now aimed at Israel more than ever before." The Islamic State Sinai Province on Thursday released a statement taking credit the Eilat rocket attack: "A military squad fired a number of Grad rockets at communities of Jewish usurpers in the town of Eilat." The group said the rocket attacks were meant "to teach the Jews and the crusaders a proxy war will not avail them of anything." "The future will be more calamitous with Allah's permission," the statement said. In a news-making interview last March, Abu al-Ayna al-Ansari, a Salafist movement senior official in the Gaza Strip allied with IS, threatened that it is only a matter of time before the Islamic State's branch in the Egyptian Sinai carries out a "big operation" in the Israeli resort town of Eilat and other parts of southern Israel. Ansari was speaking on "Aaron Klein Investigative Radio." He has since been arrested by Hamas and is reportedly in a jail in the Gaza Strip. 
Is Iran Preparing for War? Tehran Conducts Second Missile Test in As Many Weeks, Report Says - By Marcy Kreiter - http://www.ibtimes.com/iran-preparing-war-tehran-conducts-second-missile-test-many-weeks-report-says-2488921
Iran conducted a missile test Wednesday in defiance of U.S. warnings against such actions, Fox News reported. The test was conducted on the Semnan launch pad, the same launch pad from which a ballistic missile was fired last month, prompting the Trump administration to impose new sanctions, sources told Fox News. The launch pad is 140 miles east of Tehran. Wednesday's test was of a short-range Mersad surface-to-air missile, which came down 35 miles away, a U.S. official told Fox. Iran's Jan. 29 test involved a medium-range ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel and Saudi Arabia, prompting an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting and a statement from national security adviser Michael Flynn putting the Islamic Republic "on notice." U.N. Resolution 2231 asks Iran not to conduct ballistic missile tests but does not prohibit them. The resolution was adopted days after acceptance of the nuclear deal that rolled back Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian officials said they have the right to conduct missile tests. The Treasury Department Friday imposed sanctions against multiple entities and individuals involved "in procuring technology and/or materials to support Iran's ballistic missile program, as well as for acting for or on behalf of, or providing support to, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force." Some of the companies hit are Chinese, prompting complaints from Bejing. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the U.S. actions, saying Iran is not afraid of President Donald Trump and U.S. enmity against his country never has eased, Xinhua reported. "Iran would not be crippled by the enemies," Khamenei vowed as the country prepared to celebrate the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution Friday. Chinese Foreign Minister Lu Kang criticized the sanctions, saying they "harm the interests of a third party" and are "not helpful." Trump has threatened to tear up the nuclear deal, which was reached in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Tuesday Iran is not inclined to renegotiate the deal. "It's clear that neither Iran nor Europe will accept a re-examination of the deal. So, we have difficult days ahead," Zarif said. Trump has called the deal a "disaster" and "the worst deal ever negotiated." 
Russia to give Syrian army high-precision weapons - http://www.debka.com/article/25918/Russia-to-give-Syrian-army-high-precision-weapons
Moscow signaled on Wednesday, February 8, that it has started - or is about to start - supplying precision weapons to the Syrian military in order to boost its capabilities against the Islamic State organization. It came in an announcement by Ilyas Umakhanov, deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council, who said, "Russia will continue an asymmetrical response (to terrorism) in Syria, which may include the regrouping of forces and means...and of course the supply of high-precision weapons to the Syrian government." He added that "It is impossible to defeat terrorism only by efforts of one country. Terrorism has assumed a global character and, having achieved obvious victory in one place, there is no reason to create additional vacuums where terrorists can resume military operations." It is clear that Umakhanov was referring to two main topics: 1. Military cooperation by the US, Russia, Syria and Turkey in the war against ISIS, with the first signs already visible on the fronts in northern and eastern Syria. 2. Russian estimation of the need to supply the Syrian military with the most advanced weapons to ramp up its capabilities to the same level as those of the other militaries taking part in the war against ISIS in Syria. According to Russian media reports on Feb. 8, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said recently that more than 160 types of advanced weapons have been tested in the course of Moscow's military intervention in Syria, which started in September 2015. The reports did not specify where or when Shoigu made the comment. debkafile's military and intelligence sources reveal the types of weapons that the Russians have decided to send the Syrian army. They include small drones armed with precision bombs; shoulder-fired, laser-guided antitank and antiaircraft missiles; "loitering munitions" which follow their targets after being dropped from planes; small unmanned vehicles for clearing tunnels; advanced night vision equipment; laser and infrared sights; intelligence systems for locating targets; and long-range sniper rifles. Loitering munitions combine the traits of missiles, drones and bombs. They are dropped from a plane and then controlled by a soldier on the ground or in the air. They can fly for many hours as long as they have enough fuel and electricity. The munitions use a GPS system to show their precise location, and are usually fitted with a video camera which shows targets in real time in high resolution, even in poor weather conditions or at night, via remote control. As soon as the target is identified, the bomb is directed to its target, such as the window of a building, an armored vehicle or a group of fighters. In addition to the target, all of the bomb's sensors are destroyed when the bomb explodes. Russia's announcement was a complete surprise to the highest levels of the Israeli government and military. During the six years of the Syrian civil war, the IDF, particularly its intelligence bodies and its air force, made great efforts to prevent the flow of such precision weapons to the Syrian military and to the Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria. But now that the Russians have announced that they will provide those weapons to the Syrian military, it is obvious that some of the arms are bound to fall into the hands of the Iranians and Hezbollah. 
Do You Know Who Jesus Is? - Nathele Graham - [email protected]
When Jesus began His ministry He called a group of men to follow Him closely and learn His ways. These twelve disciples were faithful followers and it would be their calling to spread the Gospel after Jesus was crucified. Well, all except one who never was truly one of them. They all heard Jesus teach and saw many miracles that must have astonished them. Then there came a time when Jesus wanted to be sure that His disciples knew exactly who He was. "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" Matthew 16:13. Good question. Jesus knew the answer, but it was important that His followers were aware of how the world viewed Him. The disciples followed Jesus and saw with their own eyes that He healed lepers and cast out demons, but they also heard the gossip and accusations that were bantered around by people who were confused and by the Pharisees who should have known better. Too often people will listen to lies instead of God's truth. This brings about doubts and can lead to rejection of Christ. The question Jesus asked was a general one about what the world thought. Everyone had an opinion and the disciples needed to be sure of their beliefs in order to stand firm in their faith. Things haven't changed much. Today there are many opinions about Jesus, but they aren't all correct. "And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Matthew 16:14. In those days many people were looking for the Messiah to come, but they weren't looking for the right Messiah. We should have learned by now who Jesus is, but there is still much confusion. Some people believe that all roads lead to Heaven so it doesn't matter what you believe about Jesus, while others think they can be "good enough" to go to Heaven. It's easy to be deceived if you don't study God's truth. We are very blessed today to have God's word to teach us. If you leave your Bible on the shelf to gather dust you run the risk of being deceived. After He asked the general question about who people thought He was, Jesus made it personal. "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?". Matthew 16:15. That is the most important question each of us needs to answer. Your eternal home depends upon the answer. Do you listen to people who say that Jesus and Satan are brothers? That's not Biblical. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" John 1:3. Christ is the Creator, not the created. Many people say He was a good teacher who is on a par with other good teachers. That's not Biblical. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6. Don't be duped by lies. He is God and eternal life only comes through faith in Him. Peter was one of the twelve and he was never shy about speaking his mind. He made mistakes as he followed Jesus, but when Jesus asked who they said He was, Peter had a shining moment. He got it right "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16. Good for Peter! No matter what others said, Peter proclaimed the truth. No matter what the world might say, that's the only correct answer. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:-17-19. Peter hadn't heard this from a person on the street or from a Pharisee, but Jesus said it was a revealed to him by God the Father. Jesus Christ, God incarnate, is the Rock on which our faith rests. The fact that Jesus is the Christ is important to understand. If Jesus hadn't been God in the flesh His death on the cross would have meant nothing. He would have been just another man dying. Jesus Christ is God. He had a mortal human mother, but it was the Holy Spirit who came upon Mary and impregnated her. "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35. Mary must have been a very special woman, but she was just a woman. Because she was human, Jesus qualified as our kinsman because He was fully human. Because He was also fully God His blood was untainted by sin. Only His pure blood can take sin away. He is our Kinsman Redeemer and salvation is only through His blood sacrifice on the cross. Peter's words are important, but words aren't enough to bring salvation. We have to believe the words. It wasn't long before Peter stumbled. The time was right for Jesus to head to Jerusalem where He would be crucified and He began making this known to the disciples, but Peter tried to stop Him. "Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." Matthew 16:22. That's the way it is when our words are hollow. We proclaim Him as Lord one minute, then try to tell Him what to do the next. Peter's intentions were that no harm would come to Jesus, but he just didn't understand that the reason Jesus entered His creation was to become the final sacrificial Lamb to atone for our sins. Peter had proclaimed "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" but he had no full understanding of what that meant. Jesus rebuked him. "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." Matthew 16:23. Those words must have stung Peter. He though he was doing right to convince Jesus to stay away from Jerusalem, but that wasn't God's plan. Too often we try to help God but we fail to see the greater plan. Peter tried to correct God using human understanding instead of trusting Him to know best. Eventually Jesus led His followers to Jerusalem. The time had come for Him to lay down His life for our salvation. When Jesus was arrested and sentenced to be crucified, the disciples were also in danger. They could have easily been arrested and sentenced to death too. Peter, who had declared "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God " while surrounded by friends, denied Christ three times that night. "Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:74-75. We're a lot like Peter. In the heat of the moment we respond to an altar call or even sit in a pew every Sunday morning. We're among friends and we sing praises to the Lord. Then Monday morning comes and we're back in the world. Co-workers get on our nerves or friends invite us out to a bar where the drinks flow like water. When we behave like worldly people our actions deny Christ. Instead of living for the One who brings salvation, we join in the sin of the world. Were the words you said at the altar hollow with no belief? Peter's story doesn't end in failure. Neither should ours. Peter had many tests of his faith, but his life shows that he was a changed man. When he truly believed that Jesus was the Christ he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He became a leader among the Apostles and boldly spoke of the power of Jesus Christ. One day when Peter and John had healed a man in Jesus' name and boldly taught about Jesus Pharisees were upset. They were always upset over anything to do with Jesus. These were the same Pharisees from whom Peter had hidden in fear when they illegally put Christ on trial and condemned Him to death. Now we see that Peter was a changed man and was no longer just mouthing words about Jesus. The conviction of his faith was firmly planted in his heart. His actions showed the change and he spoke boldly "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole...Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved " Acts 4:10 & 12. Remember that. Salvation is only through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The example of Peter is one to follow, but there was another man who had walked with Jesus. Judas had heard Christ's words and witnessed the miracles just as Peter had but he never truly had faith. Judas followed Jesus, but wanted things done his way. Peter had tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem because he didn't want Him to be arrested and crucified. On the other hand, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Pharisees which led to the crucifixion. Jesus knew this would happen. Judas was given the same opportunity as the others to place his faith in Jesus but he chose to betray our Lord. Judas regretted his actions, but chose suicide instead of repentance. "And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself." Matthew 27:5. Judas never did truly know who Jesus was. Who do you say Jesus is? Have you, like Peter, spoken the words "...Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16, but then turned around and denied Him? If you don't truly believe those words then you follow along the path of Judas. It might look as if you follow Jesus and you might deceive yourself as well as others, but your actions deny Him. You have to believe. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9. Who do you say Jesus is? Don't just mouth hollow words. Proclaim that He is the Christ and believe it. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. 
My Review of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Over the last 35 years, I have literally read hundreds of books on Bible Prophecy and End Time signs. I especially enjoy books on the Rapture, and I have read almost every Rapture-related book published. In all those years, devouring thousands of pages, and millions of words, I have not read a better book on the Rapture than, Rapture Ready...Or Not? Terry James might be physically blind, but he is spiritually sharp and well discerning beyond most authors. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Terry has nailed the pre-trib Rapture, and removed any doubt what so ever about the Church going through the Tribulation. With great insight and Godly discernment, Terry explains with simple, yet profound words, why and how that he has come to believe the ways he does about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the End Times scenario. I think after reading "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" you too will believe as Terry does, and be Ready for the Rapture like never before! - Randy Thomas - Publisher / Editor - Prophecy Update For more information and or to get your copy of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" use this link: http://www.raptureready.com/terry/book35.html 
Friday Night Will See Eclipse, Full Moon and Comet Appear in Astral Confluence on Jewish Holiday - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/83422/astonishing-astral-confluence-will-see-eclipse-full-moon-comet-jewish-holiday/#gCh03bx8dvpeoHJU.97
"He counteth the number of the stars; He giveth them all their names." Psalms 147:4 (The Israel Bible™) This Friday night will bring together three prophetic significant astronomical events in an astonishing astral confluence arriving on a Jewish arboreal holiday with lunar roots. Overnight, a penumbra lunar eclipse, the aptly named "snow moon", and the passing of a comet will all appear within hours of each other. "Snow moon" is the traditional Native American name for the full moon in February, since this is typically the month with the most snow and the coldest temperatures. A penumbra eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the outer part of Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon, but a penumbra eclipse is a relatively rare phenomenon, representing about a third of all eclipses. It creates subtle effect, making the moon seem just a bit darker. A few hours after the eclipse, Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusáková, which has been visible by telescope for the last two months, will make its closest approach to the Earth. It will pass within 7.5 million miles of our planet, returning again in 5.25 years. Friday night is also the holiday of Tu B'Shvat, the fifteenth of the Hebrew month of Shvat. This is the day named in the Talmud as the 'new year of the trees.' Comets have a special role in Jewish literature in the end of days. The Zohar, the foundational work of Jewish mysticism, described this in detail. At that time Melech Hamoshiach (Messiah the King) will awaken and go out from Gan Eden (Garden of Eden), from the place called Kan Tzippor, and will be revealed in the Galil (Galilee).... A star will arise from the East side, flaming with all colors, and seven other stars will go around this star and make a war with it on all sides three times a day for 70 days, and all the people of the world will see. Zohar The moon and eclipses have a more subtle role to play in Judaism. Ira Machefsky is an amateur astronomer with 60 years of experience who runs stargazing tours in Mizpeh Ramon, a town perched on a huge crater in the Negev desert. As an astronomer in the Holy Land, Machefsky has a tendency to see the divine import of heavenly events. "The Talmud states that a Likui (eclipse) of the sun is a bad sign for the world, but a lunar eclipse is a bad sign for Israel," Machefsky told Breaking Israel News. To what can this be compared? To a human being who made a banquet for his servants and put up for them a lamp. When he became angry with them he said to his servant, 'Take away the lamp from them, and let them sit in the dark'. Talmud Bavli Sukkot 29a "Of course, Israel isn't ruled by astrology," Machefsky pointed out, quoting the continuation of the passage. But when Israel fulfill the will of the Omnipresent, they need have no fear of all these [omens] as it is said, Thus saith the HaShem,' Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven. "Since it is only a penumbra eclipse of the moon, perhaps it portends something that will only be slightly bad," suggested Machefsky. He explained that the full moon on Friday night does not represent winter for the Jews, but signals the approaching spring. "Judaism measures the months by moons," Machefsky told Breaking Israel News. "The full moon is the middle of the month and this month it is the holiday of Tu B'Shvat." The holiday also has astrological significance, marking the midpoint between winter and spring. "This full moon on Tu B'Shvat is the Jewish version of Groundhog Day," explained Machefsky. "It is a cross-quarter holiday. It signals the halfway point for the quarter of the year. In this case, with six weeks of winter behind us and six weeks still remaining, it marks the beginning of the end of winter. It is halfway between the winter solstice, on December 21, and the spring equinox, on March 20. "This full moon is the tipping point when we can start looking forward to the trees blooming," he concluded. 
Daily Jot: Disconnected with reality - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
When we look at the anarchists making fools of themselves in the streets of America, protesting anything and everything against President Donald Trump, the question often arises about how these people actually view the world. Do they see things from an ethical, moral or truth foundation, or are they emotionally driven and disconnected with reality? The answer is obvious to many, but a recent Rasmussen poll sheds light on how these people think. Rasmussen found that 62% of likely US Voters believe Christians living in the Islamic world are treated unfairly because of their religion. Rasmussen reported, "Just 17% disagree, while 21% more are undecided." But the details of the survey reveal something shocking. Rasmussen reports, "By comparison, 39% feel most Muslims living in the United States are treated unfairly because of their religion. That's up from 31% last year and is the highest finding in surveys to date. A plurality (46%) still believes Muslims are not treated unfairly because of their faith, while 15% more are not sure." But here is the shocker: "Fifty-six percent (56%) of Democrats, however, believe most Muslims in this country are mistreated, a view shared by only 22% of Republicans and 39% of voters not affiliated with either major party. Fewer Democrats (47%) think most Christians are mistreated in the Islamic world, compared to 76% of GOP voters and 64% of unaffiliateds." Thereligionofpeace.com, a site that is concerned with Islam's political and religious teachings according to its own texts, reports, "since 9/11, an additional 145 Americans have been killed in 50 separate acts of deadly Islamic terror or Islam-related honor killing in the United States. Hundreds of mass murder plots have been thwarted or botched. The real story is not "Islamophobia" but American tolerance - which rightly refuses to punish the individual based on group identity." Indeed, around the world Muslims are the majority perpetrators in killing Christians. Pew Research says that close to 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith. Jihad Watch reports that the Christian population in Iraq is now between 50,000-250,000, down from 1.4 million in 2003-"They were either massacred by jihadist or abducted." It is not debatable that Islam relentlessly persecutes Christians. That the vast majority of Democrats (56%) don't believe it is an incredible disconnect with reality. It serves as a prime example of how liberals process information and reject what they don't want to believe, even though it is indisputable. This is the same mentality that we are facing as a nation with those who are protesting the crack down on illegal immigration and bringing in people from terrorist-sponsoring Islamic states. Their "truth" is what they believe, not what is actually true. As is said in 2 Timothy 4:4, "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." This is what those of us with a sound mind are dealing with. 
Daily Devotion: The Value of a Godly Mother - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. -Proverbs 31:28-31 Think of the things we've learned from Mom over the years. For instance, our mothers taught us about anticipation when they said to us, "Just wait until your father gets home!" Our moms taught us about logic when they said, "Because I said so. That's why." Moms also taught us about prayer when they said, "You better pray this will come out of the carpet." Seriously though, mothers play such a vital role in our society. Mothers not only impact their children-they impact their grandchildren and maybe their great-grandchildren. Some impact generations even after they are in Heaven because of the truths they passed on. Paul wrote about the impact Timothy's mother and grandmother had on his life. In 2 Timothy 1:5, he said, "I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you." It shows us the importance of a godly heritage. Sometimes as moms you might feel like you didn't do your job all that well. In fact, you may have young children today and they're . . . a project. They are a work in progress. Just understand, you need to keep praying and never give up because your impact is greater than you may realize. Our first president, George Washington, said, "The greatest teacher I ever had was my mother." And President Ronald Reagan said, "From my mother I learned the value of prayer, how to have dreams and believe I could make them come true." If you have been a godly mother and you have done your part to raise your children in the way of the Lord, you are a treasure and a blessing. Your value is "above rubies," as Scripture would say. 
FROM THE HEART
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
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